Petr Cech admits leading Chelsea dressing room dressing down at West Brom

Petr Cech has admitted leading the infamous dressing room row after Chelsea’s loss to West Brom that eventually saw
Roberto Di Matteo sacked as manager.

Ringleader: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech (Picture: REUTERS)

The Blues defeat at the Hawthorns was seen as a game that really set alarm bells ringing in the Stamford Bridge boardroom, and reports of a heated argument between players and staff did little to ease the pressure on the Italian boss.

Now Chelsea goalkeeper Cech has come forward and revealed the part he played in the debate, although he insists it was a rant directed at his fellow players rather than a revolt against the management.

‘It was a speech I had to make to the team,’ he says.

‘About what we are and what we want to be and that we have to improve if we are to fulfil our expectations. We were all in the same boat – manager, coaching staff and all players.

‘We’ve ended up in this situation and we are all responsible for that, so we need to put it right now. Unfortunately, the manager is always the one who gets under pressure the most.’

Cech went on to praise the efforts of Di Matteo, saying he felt sorry over the way the former midfielder left west London.

‘He will always be a huge part of the history of this club with all he has achieved as a player and manager,’ he added. ‘It was sad to see him go early like that, but that’s football life, unfortunately.’